Changes to the Medicare and Medicaid Regulations as Promulgated by the CMS
March 23, 2004: Number 4: According to a CMS transmittal, a Medicare beneficiary undergoing outpatient physical therapy, speech-language pathology services and outpatient occupational therapy must see a physician or nonphysician practitioner within 60 days after the therapy begins and every 30 days, thereafter. The 60 day period begins with the therapist's initial encounter with the patient. The initial encounter should occur in a timely manner after the physician's referral. In addition, the timing of recertification and visit requirements should coincide. (See: www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/pm_trans/r5bp.pdf)
March 27, 2004: Number 5: During the 2003 legislative session, 17 states introduced legislation related to patient safety, quality improvement of healthcare delivery or both. These states were Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia.
Harold Rubin, MS, ABD, CRC, Guest Lecturer
March 16, 2004
http://www.therubins.com
To e-mail: rehabstrat1@aol.com or rubin@brainlink.com